Bartow County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Bartow County
Arrest records in Bartow County are considered public information pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This statute establishes that public records, including those created, maintained, or received by a public agency in Georgia, shall be available for inspection by any member of the public, with certain exceptions.
The Georgia Open Records Act specifically addresses law enforcement records, including arrest records, booking photographs, and incident reports. Under current law, these records are generally accessible to the public unless they fall under specific exemptions outlined in § 50-18-72 of the Georgia Code, such as ongoing investigations or records that would compromise security.
It is important to note the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime
- Conviction records indicate that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process
In Bartow County, the Bartow County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records and makes them available in accordance with state law. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation also maintains a statewide repository of arrest records that includes Bartow County arrests.
Bartow County Sheriff's Office
104 Zena Drive
Cartersville, GA 30121
770-382-5050
Bartow County Sheriff's Office
What's in Bartow County Arrest Records
Arrest records in Bartow County contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Home address
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance citations
- Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
- Charge severity level
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing authority
- Date issued
- Warrant type
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Processing officer
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type
- Bond status
- Release conditions (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Expected release date (if sentenced)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Risk assessment scores
- Special custody considerations
The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the arresting agency's protocols and the nature of the arrest. All information is maintained in accordance with the Georgia Criminal Justice Information System regulations.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Bartow County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Bartow County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains current systems for record retrieval that accommodate both in-person and remote requests.
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Bartow County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
- Complete an Open Records Request Form specifying the information sought.
- Provide proper identification (government-issued photo ID).
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying (currently $0.10 per page for standard copies).
- Allow processing time as specified by staff (typically 3-5 business days for non-urgent requests).
Mail Requests:
- Download and complete the Open Records Request Form from the Bartow County Sheriff's Office website.
- Include a copy of government-issued photo identification.
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and check/money order for applicable fees.
- Mail the complete package to:
Bartow County Sheriff's Office Records Division
104 Zena Drive
Cartersville, GA 30121
770-382-5050
Bartow County Sheriff's Office
Email Requests:
- Download, complete, and scan the Open Records Request Form.
- Email the form along with a scanned copy of identification to records@bartowsheriff.org.
- Include contact information for payment arrangements and delivery method.
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, agencies must respond to records requests within three business days. If records cannot be produced within this timeframe, the agency must provide a written description of the records and a timeline for their production.
For third-party requests (requesting another person's records), additional documentation may be required to demonstrate legal authorization to access the information.
How To Find Bartow County Arrest Records Online
Bartow County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records through official online channels. These electronic systems offer convenience while maintaining compliance with Georgia's public records laws.
The primary online resources for Bartow County arrest records include:
-
Bartow County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
- Navigate to the Bartow County Sheriff's Office website
- Locate the "Inmate Search" or "Jail Roster" section
- Enter search criteria (name, booking number, or date range)
- Review results showing current inmates and recent releases
- Note that this system typically displays limited information about arrests
-
Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Search
- Access the GDC Offender Search portal
- Enter the individual's name or GDC ID number
- Review results for individuals currently in state custody or under supervision
- This database includes Bartow County arrestees who have been transferred to state custody
-
Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Criminal History Record Information
- Visit the Georgia Crime Information Center website
- Follow instructions for requesting criminal history information
- Complete the appropriate forms and pay required fees
- Note that this provides comprehensive statewide records, including Bartow County arrests
-
Bartow County Clerk of Superior Court Records
- Access the Bartow County Clerk's Office website
- Navigate to the court records search function
- Enter the individual's name to locate associated criminal cases
- Review case information, which may include arrest details
When conducting online searches, users should be aware that:
- Some information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online systems
- Complete arrest records may require formal requests through the methods outlined in the previous section
- Online systems may charge access fees for certain information
How To Search Bartow County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options to access Bartow County arrest records without incurring fees. Georgia law provides for inspection of public records at no cost, though reproduction fees may apply.
Free In-Person Inspection:
- Visit the Bartow County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours.
- Complete an Open Records Request Form indicating the desire to inspect records rather than obtain copies.
- Present valid identification.
- Upon approval, records will be made available for in-person review at no charge.
Free Online Resources:
-
Bartow County Jail Inmate Search
- The Bartow County Sheriff's Office maintains a free online inmate lookup tool
- This resource provides basic information about current inmates and recent releases
- Information typically includes name, booking date, charges, and bond information
-
Georgia Felon Search
- The Georgia Department of Corrections offers a free online database
- Search by name to locate individuals with felony convictions
- Results include Bartow County cases that resulted in state incarceration
-
Bartow County Court Docket
- The Bartow County Clerk of Superior Court provides free access to court calendars
- Search by name to locate scheduled court appearances
- Court calendars often include arrest-related information
-
Public Access Terminal
- The Bartow County Courthouse provides public access computer terminals
- These terminals offer free searches of court records, which may include arrest information
- Available during regular courthouse hours at:
Bartow County Courthouse
135 West Cherokee Avenue
Cartersville, GA 30120
770-387-5030
Bartow County Courts
Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(c)(1), agencies may charge for the cost of search, retrieval, and other administrative costs only when the request is particularly extensive. For standard requests, inspection of records must be permitted at no charge.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Bartow County
In Georgia, including Bartow County, arrest records generally cannot be deleted in the traditional sense. However, under specific circumstances, individuals may be eligible to have their records restricted (sealed) or expunged through a process known as record restriction. This process is governed by O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37.
Record Restriction vs. Expungement:
- Record restriction limits public access to arrest records but maintains them for law enforcement use
- True expungement (complete deletion) is generally not available in Georgia
- Restricted records remain accessible to criminal justice agencies, but are shielded from public view
Eligibility for Record Restriction: Records may be eligible for restriction under the following circumstances:
- Arrests that did not result in charges (nolle prosequi)
- Cases dismissed or acquitted
- Cases resolved through pretrial diversion or first offender programs
- Certain misdemeanor convictions for youthful offenders (under 21 at time of offense)
- Pardoned offenses (through the State Board of Pardons and Paroles)
Record Restriction Process:
-
Determine Eligibility
- Review arrest disposition with an attorney
- Confirm case outcome meets restriction criteria
- Verify waiting periods have been satisfied
-
Obtain Required Documentation
- Certified copies of final dispositions from the Clerk of Court
- Criminal history record from the Georgia Crime Information Center
- Identification documents
-
File Application
- Complete the Georgia Record Restriction Application
- Submit to the arresting agency (typically Bartow County Sheriff's Office)
- Pay applicable filing fees
-
Prosecutorial Review
- The District Attorney's Office reviews eligible applications
- Prosecutors may consent to or oppose the restriction
-
Judicial Determination
- For certain cases, a judge must approve the restriction
- Court hearings may be required
Bartow County District Attorney's Office
135 West Cherokee Avenue, Suite 256
Cartersville, GA 30120
770-387-5150
Bartow County District Attorney
Individuals seeking record restriction are advised to consult with an attorney familiar with Georgia's record restriction laws, as the process can be complex and outcomes vary based on specific circumstances.
What Happens After Arrest in Bartow County?
Following an arrest in Bartow County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several distinct phases. This process adheres to Georgia state law and local court procedures.
Initial Custody and Booking:
- Transportation to the Bartow County Detention Center
- Booking procedures (fingerprinting, photographs, personal information collection)
- Medical screening
- Property inventory and storage
- Initial classification for housing assignment
First Appearance Hearing:
- Occurs within 48-72 hours of arrest
- Conducted at the Bartow County Magistrate Court
- Judge informs defendant of charges
- Determination of probable cause
- Consideration of bail/bond
- Appointment of public defender if defendant qualifies
Pretrial Release Options:
- Cash bond (full payment of bail amount)
- Property bond (property used as collateral)
- Surety bond (bail bondsman)
- Own recognizance release (no financial requirement)
- Pretrial supervision (monitoring while released)
Preliminary Hearing:
- Optional hearing to determine if sufficient evidence exists
- Prosecution presents evidence establishing probable cause
- Defense may challenge evidence or probable cause determination
- Judge determines if case proceeds to Superior or State Court
Formal Charging:
- Misdemeanors: Accusation filed by District Attorney
- Felonies: Case presented to Grand Jury for indictment
- Grand Jury determines if sufficient evidence exists for trial
Arraignment:
- Formal reading of charges
- Defendant enters plea (guilty, not guilty, nolo contendere)
- Trial date may be set
- Pretrial motions schedule established
Pretrial Proceedings:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Motion hearings (evidence suppression, procedural matters)
- Plea negotiations
- Pretrial conferences
Trial or Plea Resolution:
- Most cases resolve through plea agreements
- Trials may be jury trials or bench trials (judge only)
- Prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt
- Verdict determined by unanimous jury or judge
Sentencing (if convicted):
- Presentence investigation may be conducted
- Sentencing hearing scheduled
- Judge imposes sentence within statutory guidelines
- Potential sentences include probation, fines, incarceration
Post-Conviction Options:
- Appeal to higher courts
- Motion for new trial
- Sentence modification requests
- Probation in lieu of incarceration
Throughout this process, defendants maintain constitutional rights including the right to counsel, right against self-incrimination, right to confront witnesses, and right to a speedy trial as guaranteed by the Georgia Constitution and the U.S. Constitution.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Bartow County?
Arrest records in Bartow County are maintained according to Georgia's records retention schedules as established by the Georgia Archives Records Management Division and governed by O.C.G.A. § 50-18-90 through § 50-18-103, known as the Georgia Records Act.
Standard Retention Periods:
Law enforcement agencies in Bartow County, including the Sheriff's Office, adhere to the following retention guidelines:
-
Arrest Records (Felonies):
- Permanent retention
- Never expunged from official records unless court-ordered
- Maintained in both physical and digital formats
-
Arrest Records (Misdemeanors):
- Minimum 25-year retention period
- May be archived after this period but rarely destroyed
- Accessible throughout retention period
-
Arrest Records (No Charges Filed):
- Minimum 5-year retention period
- May be eligible for restriction after this period
- Remains in law enforcement databases even if restricted from public view
-
Booking Photographs:
- Retained with corresponding arrest records
- Subject to same retention schedule as the arrest record
- May be restricted from public disclosure in certain circumstances
-
Fingerprint Records:
- Permanent retention
- Maintained by both local agencies and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation
- Used for identification purposes indefinitely
-
Incident Reports:
- Minimum 5-year retention
- Longer retention for reports related to serious crimes
- May be retained permanently for statistical and investigative purposes
Multi-Agency Record Maintenance:
Arrest records are typically maintained by multiple agencies, each with their own retention requirements:
- Bartow County Sheriff's Office: Primary custodian of arrest records
- Georgia Bureau of Investigation: Maintains statewide criminal history repository
- Bartow County Clerk of Court: Maintains court records related to arrests
- Georgia Department of Corrections: Maintains records of those sentenced to state custody
The retention of these records serves several important public purposes:
- Provides criminal history information for future investigations
- Supports public safety through access to criminal background information
- Maintains evidence that may be needed for future legal proceedings
- Ensures accountability in the criminal justice system
- Provides statistical data for crime analysis and prevention efforts
Even when records become eligible for destruction under retention schedules, many agencies opt for archiving rather than destruction, particularly for digital records where storage costs are minimal compared to the potential future value of the information.
How to Find Mugshots in Bartow County
Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process and are considered public records in Bartow County, subject to certain limitations under Georgia law.
What Mugshots Are: Mugshots are official photographs taken by law enforcement during the booking process after an arrest. These photographs typically include:
- Front-facing (portrait) view of the arrestee
- Side profile view (in some cases)
- Booking information board showing name and booking number
- Date of arrest
Where Mugshots Are Maintained: In Bartow County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
Bartow County Sheriff's Office
104 Zena Drive
Cartersville, GA 30121
770-382-5050
Bartow County Sheriff's Office
Finding Mugshots: Members of the public may access mugshots through several methods:
-
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Bartow County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Complete an Open Records Request Form specifically requesting booking photographs
- Provide the name and approximate arrest date of the individual
- Pay applicable fees (typically $0.10 per page for printed copies)
-
Written Requests:
- Submit a formal Open Records Request by mail
- Include specific information about the individual and arrest date
- Enclose payment for applicable fees
- Provide return mailing information
Can Mugshots Be Found Online: Bartow County mugshots may be available through:
-
Bartow County Sheriff's Office Website:
- The Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search function
- Recent booking photos may be displayed with inmate information
- Historical mugshots may not be available through this system
-
Georgia Department of Corrections:
- For individuals sentenced to state custody
- Searchable by name or GDC ID number
- Includes current photograph (not necessarily the original booking photo)
-
Third-Party Websites:
- Various commercial websites aggregate and publish mugshots
- These sites are not officially affiliated with Bartow County
- Information may be outdated or inaccurate
- Some sites charge fees for removal of photos
Obtaining Mugshots Officially: For the most accurate and current mugshot information, direct requests to the Bartow County Sheriff's Office are recommended. Official requests ensure:
- Verified, accurate information
- Complete booking information
- Compliance with current public records laws
Restrictions on Mugshot Access: Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 35-1-19) places certain restrictions on mugshot access and publication:
- Websites charging fees to remove mugshots may be in violation of state law
- Law enforcement agencies may restrict access to mugshots in active investigations
- Booking photos related to certain protected categories of crimes may be withheld
- Records that have been officially restricted under Georgia's record restriction law are not publicly accessible
Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that while these images are generally considered public records, their use and publication may be subject to legal limitations.